Our Perfect Day at Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay
When people say “Perfect Day at CocoCay,” they aren’t exaggerating. Our recent visit truly lived up to the name — it was one of the best days of our entire cruise! We traveled with a large group of six families, ranging from little kids to teenagers, and CocoCay had something for every age and interest.
If you’re planning your first visit or wondering how it works when traveling with a big group, here’s a glimpse into our incredible day!
Getting an Early Start
We started our morning by watching the ship dock at CocoCay from our room’s balcony. It was amazing to see the island come into view — the bright turquoise water and colorful island buildings got everyone excited for the perfect day ahead.
We wanted to make the most of our time, so we started our morning early with breakfast at the Windjammer Cafe onboard. After fueling up, we headed straight to the gangway as soon as it opened around 8:00 AM. It was easy and organized — we grabbed fresh towels right as we exited the ship.
Some of our group decided to walk, and some hopped on the complimentary tram to head over to South Beach, which is located on the far side of the island. The walk is definitely a bit long, especially with kids and beach bags, so I highly recommend using the tram system. They ran frequently and made it so easy to get around!
Finding the Perfect Spot
One of the best things about Perfect Day at CocoCay is that there are several different areas of the island to choose from, depending on what kind of day you’re looking for. Some of the main areas include:
Oasis Lagoon: The largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, perfect for pool lovers.
Thrill Waterpark: Full of waterslides and adventure (note: this area requires an additional ticket).
Chill Island: A laid-back beach vibe with crystal-clear waters.
South Beach: A fun, active beach area with sports, games, and plenty of space.
Coco Beach Club: A luxurious, elevated experience (additional cost).
If you’re looking for more details about each area, check out our Perfect Day at CocoCay Destination Guide.
Headed to South Beach
Since we were traveling with a large group of families — ranging from young children to teens — we decided that South Beach was the perfect fit. It offered something for everyone, allowing us to spread out, relax, and have plenty of activities all in one convenient location.
We got off the ship early and headed straight there, and it was a great decision — by 9:45 AM, almost all the chairs and umbrellas were already taken. Tip: If South Beach is your goal, plan to arrive early!
Activities at South Beach
South Beach truly had something for everyone in our group, which made it the perfect spot for our big day together. We loved how everything was close by — it made it easy for the kids, teens, and adults to stay together while still finding plenty to do.
The calm, shallow ocean water was a huge hit with the little ones. It was perfect for swimming, splashing, and playing safely. Everyone also had a blast using the snorkel sets we brought from home — we spent hours searching for seashells and spotting colorful fish right off the shore, which was such a fun and easy way to explore without needing a formal excursion.
The teens stayed busy playing quick games at the basketball court and jumping into a few rounds of volleyball. When we needed a break from the water, there was plenty more to do with cornhole, ping pong, and pickleball all set up nearby.
Our group loved having so many choices — whether you wanted to be active, swim, snorkel, or just relax and watch, there was always something happening. It was the perfect blend of relaxation and activity, and it made the day truly unforgettable for everyone.
Food and Drinks at South Beach
One of the things that made our day at South Beach so easy and stress-free was how simple it was to grab food and drinks whenever we needed them. We took full advantage of the Snack Shack, which was just steps away from our chairs. The kids loved being able to walk up on their own whenever they were hungry and grab favorites like burgers, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, and fries — all included at no extra cost.
We also had the Deluxe Beverage Package, which made grabbing drinks effortless throughout the day. We were able to order drinks from the beach bar, the swim-up bar out in the ocean, and even from the waiters who came around to our chairs. It was so nice not having to leave our spot every time we wanted a drink — whether it was a frozen cocktail for the adults or a soda for the teens, everything was covered.
The Snack Shack also had a self-serve drink station, where the kids could easily grab water, lemonade, or iced tea and refill their water bottles anytime they needed. It really helped everyone stay cool and hydrated throughout the day.
Having the food and drink options included and so convenient made it easy to relax, knowing we could grab a snack or refreshment whenever we wanted without worrying about extra costs or long lines.
Clean and Convenient Facilities
One thing that really impressed me was how clean everything was. The bathrooms were centrally located making them easy to find and quick to get to without having to walk far. With so many kids in our group, this made a big difference!
Food Allergies at South Beach
Since we had a few food allergies in our group, we were extra mindful about planning ahead. The Snack Shack at South Beach was great about helping accommodate allergy needs. They were very knowledgeable about what menu items were safe and could easily point out the allergy-friendly options available.
That said, food choices at the Snack Shack are somewhat limited, so if you have specific dietary needs, it’s a good idea to review menus while still on the ship. That way you can decide ahead of time if the available options will work for you or if you’ll want to bring additional snacks.
As a backup, we also grabbed a few allergy-safe snacks from the Windjammer Cafe before heading off the ship, just to make sure everyone in our group had something they could safely enjoy. It gave us peace of mind knowing we were prepared, and we still got to fully relax and enjoy our day on the beach!
Final Thoughts
Our day at CocoCay couldn’t have been better. It truly was a perfect day — effortless, relaxing, and packed with fun for every member of our group. From calm swimming waters to exciting sports courts to endless food and drinks, South Beach was the ideal spot for a large family group like ours.
If you’re planning your first visit, my top tips would be:
Get off the ship early to snag the best beach chairs.
Use the tram — it’s fast and saves your energy for fun.
Bring your own snorkel gear if you can.
Take advantage of the drink and food packages — they work on the island!
Relax and enjoy — CocoCay really does take care of everything.
I can’t wait to go back someday! If you’re headed there soon, you’re in for a real treat.